The Prince: Chapter 26

This chapter of Machiavelli's The Prince begins by saying that in this point in time, Italy truly needed a ruler that would lead the people to happiness more than anything else. Unfortunately, Italy has had a horrible string of rulers and now Lorenzo de Medici was now the best hope. However, the only way that Medici was going to be able to succeed as Italy's next ruler was by learning from the past rulers' mistakes. One of the most major steps in the redemption of Italy was to renew Italy's military by creating a national army. If Medici succeeded in redeeming the people of Italy, he would be loved and embraced by all.